In a controversial decision, the Euroleague chose Danilo Gallinari over Nikola Pekovic as the winner of the Rising Star award that honors the best young player in the competition. Still, the Serbian center won’t likely be sulking about it for too long after leading his team Partizan to win the Adriatic League, earning in the process MVP honors and our Player of the Week nomination.

Partizan validated its dominance of this year's Adriatic League by beating Union Olimpija and Hemofarm in this past week's Final Four. Pekovic had 31 points and 5 rebounds in the semis, while settling for 22 point and 7 rebounds in the final, combining for 19/25 from the field.

As usual, he did all his damage around the basket, showcasing his ability to establish great position inside and emerging as almost unstoppable once he received the ball. Pekovic is not a go-to guy in the sense that he’s a creative force that facilitates his team’s offensive flow, but he's such a big threat that his sole presence makes his team's offense run smoothly due his own ability to finish around the rim and the spaces he generates for his teammates with the defensive help he regular draws.

Partizan should find no opposition on its way to the Serbian championship as well; it will be way more difficult to retain all its young gems, starting with Pekovic. As we stated a few months ago, he has pretty much all but boarded the plane for Panathinaikos, as everything regarding his transfer there has already been agreed upon. Even though he would normally garner a considerable amount of interest in the first round with the incredible season he’s had, the inevitably of him staying in Europe for a considerable amount of time, along with the verbal discouragement he’s given teams from drafting him (saying that he just does not like the NBA) will almost certainly drop him to the 2nd round.

It's going to be difficult to focus on my job today. I'm excited. But the thing is, usually, don't we all end up pretty mad and disappointed AFTER the draft because we don't like or never even heard of the player who we got? I suppose most fans for most teams are like that.

I kind of feel like this is the most important off season the Pistons have had since the teal era. I'm probably off in that but this may be where they need to get that new foundation in place for the upcoming decade.

MY gut is that at #15 or worse, we don't get much. I think Joe D. blows the pick. But I'm a pessimist. I sure hope I am dead wrong.

Partizan validated its dominance of this year's Adriatic League by beating Union Olimpija and Hemofarm in this past week's Final Four. Pekovic had 31 points and 5 rebounds in the semis, while settling for 22 point and 7 rebounds in the final, combining for 19/25 from the field.

As usual, he did all his damage around the basket, showcasing his ability to establish great position inside and emerging as almost unstoppable once he received the ball. Pekovic is not a go-to guy in the sense that he’s a creative force that facilitates his team’s offensive flow, but he's such a big threat that his sole presence makes his team's offense run smoothly due his own ability to finish around the rim and the spaces he generates for his teammates with the defensive help he regular draws.

Sacramento has reportedly offered Detroit the #23 and #31 picks in exchange for the #15. The Kings may target DeJuan Blair at 15 if he's available, while the Pistons like Toney Douglas and possibly DaJuan Summers. There have been rumors that Dumars is interested in Douglas. This would give Detroit one first-round pick and four second round picks. Down further on the page Givony reports of another potential offer for the 15th pick.

Minnesota supposedly may not be done making moves, and could be looking to package some assets and move up even higher in the first round. Right now they seem to be dangling the #18 pick and Nikola Pekovic, possibly to Detroit sitting at 15. Gerald Henderson could very well be their target, as he's likely gone one pick later by Chicago.​

Nikola Pekovic is a real center,elite level in europe.
Has won this year playing in Panathinaikos, Greek league against olympiakos,EUROLEAGUE and greek national copa. Three of three titles.
i wrotte months ago about Pekovic like a steal from minessota,i wish we have Pekovic.
He is starter of better europe team, unstopable ofensive player on the paint in euroleague. final four games suffered overpressure with calls,reason he had less numbers.

i hope we have Pekovik over Clark or Mullens,is perfect player for pistons.
Main problem is he have contract in Panathinaikos till 2010 or 2011,but is a steal.